Keeper of the Dolls

The Lifelong Antique Doll Collection of Connie Bailey at Theriault's Marquis Studio Auction. Featuring the lifelong collection of Connie Bailey of North Carolina with exceptional collections of French and German bisque dolls - all your favorite classics in pristine condition with fine antique costumes and original wigs. And including a fine group of rare all-bisque mignonettes, a remarkable selection of early Kestner dolls (you never realized how different the faces could be!), collection of early sought-after teddies, and early American dolls ranging from Maggie-Bessie to black Joel Ellis. More than 350 dolls of the finest order and rarity are featured in the catalog. Softbound. 8.5" x 11".
$59.00
Catalog Lot List details
19" (48 cm.) Bisque socket head, small blue glass sleep eyes, painted curly lashes, arched lightly-feathered brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with downcast pouting expression, very plump cheeks and chin, blonde mohair wig, composition and wooden fully-jointed toddler body with well-detailed muscular and chubby shape. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 231 Fany DRMG 248/1 A 5 M. Comments: Marseille, circa 1912. Value Points: rarely found model from this firm, its rarity rivaled by outstanding sculpting and quality of bisque, original body and body finish, wonderful antique costume, and carrying little Steiff lamb "Snucki".
Presale Estimate:
3500/4500
Realized Price:
$3,000
8 1/2" (22 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque torso, blue glass sleep eyes, painted lashes and brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with accent line between the solemnly-set lips, blonde mohair wig, peg-jointing at shoulders and hips, painted white stockings with scalloped rims, green ties, grey ankle boots with black tassels, lovely antique cotton and lace dress, undergarments, coral silk bonnet. Condition: generally excellent, chip on left leg at stringing hole. Marks: 3 (head) 111 (torso). Comments: Kestner, circa 1885. Value Points: rare large size, rare painted boots and green stocking ties, lovely bisque.
Presale Estimate:
800/1100
Realized Price:
$1,800
17" (43 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulderplate with modeled bosom and shoulderblades, blue glass paperweight inset eyes, thick dark eyeliner, painted curly lashes and brushstroked brows, rose-blushed eyeshadow, shaded nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with upturned lip corners, shaded and outlined lips, pierced ears, dimpled chin, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, slender kid bebe body with scalloped upper trim, Chevrot-hinged hips, wooden lower legs, bisque lower arms. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Bru Jne 7 (head and shoulders). (Bru paper label on chest). Comments: Leon Casimir Bru, Chevrot era, circa 1886. Value Points: The lovely bebe with soft subtle blushing of complexion has original wig, sturdy original body, perfect bisque hands, and is wearing early Bru aqua silk dress and bonnet with lace trim, undergarments, leather shoes signed Bru Jne Paris (in oval), and is in base of original wooden box.
Presale Estimate:
11,000/15,000
Realized Price:
$18,000
14" (36 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulderplate, blue glass enamel inset eyes, painted lashes, feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, French kid poupee body with shapely torso and gusset-jointing, bisque arms to elbow, antique costume. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 1. Comments: French, circa 1865. Value Points: expressive features with pertly shaped lips, very sturdy and clean body, rare "A Deux Bonjours" bonnet.
Presale Estimate:
1400/1700
Realized Price:
$1,300
5 1/2" (14 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque slender torso, bright blue glass inset eyes, painted lashes and brows, closed mouth with hint of smile, blonde mohair wig, peg-jointed slender elongated bisque arms and legs, bare feet, wearing original silk gown. Condition: generally excellent, tiny back torso chip at neckline. Comments: French, circa 1882, the mignonettes were presented as "poupees de poche" (pocket dolls) in reference to the diminutive size. Value Points: lovely expression, choice bisque, rare bisque bare feet.
Presale Estimate:
600/800
Realized Price:
$1,700
6 1/2" (17 cm.) The firm-sided miniature sedan chair has teal blue velvet lining and roof, beveled glass windows and opening door, and applied metal sides with raised scenes of frolicking cherubs. Excellent condition. French, circa 1885.
Presale Estimate:
400/500
Realized Price:
$850
25" (64 cm.) Bisque socket head, blue glass sleep eyes, dark eyeliner, lightly-painted lashes, brushstroked brows, rose-blushed eyeshadow, accented eye corners, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with solemn expression, outlined pale lips, wheat-blonde mohair wig, composition and wooden eight-loose-ball-jointed body with straight wrists. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 15. Comments: Kestner, circa 1880. Value Points: beautiful child with fine gleaming complexion, wonderfully-painted lips, original body and body finish, antique lace dress, undergarments, woven bonnet, leather shoes.
Presale Estimate:
1400/1800
Realized Price:
$2,700
16" (41 cm.) The three-tiered mahogany table with graduated-width tiers banded by brass grill walls has a tripod pedestal base with claw feet, and is laden with a bevy of miniature decorative objects including porcelain tete-a-tete tea service, five various silver and gilt metal frames, porcelain basket, ten-piece silver filigree tiny chairs and table, sterling basket, silver faux-clock, and metal-framed diorama with easel back, and mechanical movements. Excellent condition. Late 19th century.
Presale Estimate:
800/1100
Realized Price:
$1,500
7" (18 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque torso, brown glass sleep eyes, painted lashes and brows, closed mouth in solemn expression, blonde mohair wig over plaster pate, peg-jointing at shoulders and hips, painted white ribbed socks with maroon ties, blue ankle boots with black tassels, lovely rose silk dress, undergarments, straw bonnet. Condition: generally excellent, tiny flakes at right shoulder and left hip stringing holes. Marks: 2. Comments: Kestner, circa 1885. Value Points: beautiful little miniature doll with fancy blue ankle boots.
Presale Estimate:
700/900
Realized Price:
$1,600
7" (18 cm.) The three-tiered etagere with fancily spindled posts is laden with delicate filigree miniature furnishings and accessories, including parlor set and tables, along with various serving pieces. Excellent condition. Late 19th century.
Presale Estimate:
400/500
Realized Price:
$500